How to Create a Paper Mache Batman Mask

Batman has been popular for years, featured in comic books, television shows and movies like "The Dark Knight." Tons of Batman merchandise has been marketed, and you can find almost anything depicting his logo. But if you want to get away from the more commercial route, than you can actually create a Batman mask of your own using papier mache.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Balloon
• Glue
• Cardboard
• Black paint
• Yellow paint
• Pencil
• Flour
• Large knife
• Water
• Newspaper
• Old clothes and rags

1. Lay out a couple of sheets of old newspaper onto a table. Take the remaining newspaper and cut it into small strips, then place them into a pile.

2. Mix together a bowl of flour and water, with two times the amount of water than flour.

3. Blow up a round balloon until it is about the size of your head and tie it. You do not want to blow up the balloon too big, or the mask will not fit, and will hang over your eyes.

4. Dip the strips of newspaper into the papier mache mix. Begin laying the strips over the balloon.

5. Cover the balloon completely with the paper, then add a couple more layers, so that the papier mache will be strong when the mix hardens.

6. Let the balloon dry overnight and clean out the bowl with flour and water.

Painting and designing

7. The next day, carefully cut the balloon in half with a large knife. You can dispose of the other half or use it to create multiple masks.

8. Paint the mask completely black, even the inside. Do two to three coats, until no papier mache is visible and the black paint has a dark contrast.

9. Cut two evenly shaped pieces of cardboard about 2" thick and 2" long and paint them completely black.

10. Curl them until they are cone-shaped. Glue the cardboard pieces so that they stay in their cone shape, then glue them to the top of the mask in animal-ear positions.

11. Use the yellow paint to add a Batman symbol in the center of the mask and let the paint dry before you wear it.